Zambia - Atlas of our Changing Environment

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), in collaboration with GRID-Arendal and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), prepared the Zambia Atlas of Our Changing Environment . The main objective of the atlas is to provide science-based and credible evidence of the changes that have occurred in Zambia, as well as their causes, and to communicate the urgency of addressing them to policy and decision makers and the public. The specific objectives of the Atlas are to: 1. Identify environmental changes that have occurred in Zambia and propose appropriate measures to prevent, manage and/or mitigate their impacts; and 2. Strengthen Integrated Environmental Assessment and Reporting processes by linking the atlas to the Zambia Environment Outlook (ZEO) 4 report and environmental indicators. The preparation of the Atlas was conducted through a participatory approach, which involved relevant stakeholders such as government departments, local authorities, the private sector, civil society and community leaders. A comprehensive review of information and peer- reviewed reports was conducted to identify the salient environmental issues in Zambia. The Atlas brings to light stories of environmental change in Zambia through the use of satellite imagery, photographs and maps. Graphs and charts have also been used in addition to descriptive text to bring out the major issues in Zambia. The Atlas contains three Chapters. Chapter 1 presents the physical and socio-economic features of Zambia. The country’s population has been growing at an annual average rate of 2.8 per cent. In 2010, the population was about 13 million, and at current growth rates this may increase to 22.7 million by 2030. Population increase is higher in urban centres especially in the country’s capital city, Lusaka, than it is in the rural areas. Historical and heritage sites such as the Ingombe Illede are also discussed as part of Zambia’s rich culture. A synopsis of some of Zambia’s traditional ceremonies is also given.

Chapter 2 describes the environmental changes that are taking place in various parts of Zambia. The changes include land degradation particularly in mining areas, surface and groundwater pollution, air pollution, deforestation, wildlife depletion, poor management of solid waste, and loss of biodiversity. As mining continues to play a pivotal role in the economic development of the country, growth of the industry has not only resulted in the rapid development of urban centres, but also exposed the landscape to land degradation through open-pits, as well as forest losses. Chapter 3 tracks environmental policy performance in Zambia. The Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 is the principal law on the environment. Other pieces of legislation that have a bearing on management of the environment include those related to town and country planning; forestry; wildlife; mines and minerals; radiation; and water. A number of programmes, including the Copperbelt Environment Programme, Environmental Support Programme, Environment and Natural Resources Management and Mainstreaming Programme, and Integrated Land Use Assessment have also been implemented to strengthen environmental management in Zambia. . The government of Zambia recognises the need to strengthen the capacities of various stakeholders to actively participate in environmental management. As a result knowledge, reflection and action about the environment have become necessary pre- conditions for thoughtful processes in dealing with issues of sustainable development.

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